POST GAME REPORT: MAPLE LEAFS(1) at BLUES(5)

After 20 minute delay the puck has finally dropped. It appears the Leafs weren’t informed because the first two minutes the Leafs have been on the defense. Colton Parayko has just skated through almost the entire team. Finally, the Kadri/Marner/JVR line debut and wow did they take over. They have woken up the team and this writer. After dominating possession the Leafs look in control up until Perron is sprung loose but only to be stoned by Andersen. For the next few minutes the Leafs can’t get a shot off, while St. Louis continuously pepper shots at Andersen. So far both teams have been going back controlling the game. Thankfully, Matthews’ line has stolen back momentum and after an 8 minute shooting drought, Marner scores on a feed from Bozak and JVR. I guess no more Kadri on that line. Steen and Shattenkirk play a tiny game of hot potato and Steen fires off a shot that eluded Andersen. After a goal, Kadri and Kamorov have a strong shift and draw a penalty. A couple nice chances but period ends with 19 seconds remaining on the PP. Not a great period for either team.

Second Period

Almost as soon as the powerplay ends Bouwmeester gets called on a trip on Carrick. Leafs are all kinds of sloppy and can’t set up. With a horrible change Statsny gets a great shot off but Andersen does what he does best. Matthews and Brown have a great give and go but no goal. For the leagues best road powerplay the Leafs had only 1 SOG on that effort. Just not good enough.
St Louis pressures with a great shot by a Shattenkirk but again, Andersen. As the Blues continue pressuring Polak is squeezed off the puck and Steen gets the puck to an open Statsny who rockets it in. Almost 30 seconds later Tarasenko takes the top corner. 3-1 deficit in 30 seconds, Leafs are asleep at the wheel. Ill-timed Kadri penalty leads to a Parayko powerplay goal. Next shift, Marner takes a penalty way out of play. Truly fantastic stuff. Second powerplay was killed quite effectively with Blues getting no shots off. The Blues have been in the drivers seat for the most part and going into the third the Leafs will need one hell of speech from Babcock.

Third period

The Leafs are pushing hard and trying to just get one past Jake Allen but nothing wants to give. The powerplay was solid but again no goal to show for it. The entire period was the Leafs trying but nothing. Marner’s line had one of the best shifts and for a moment I was reminded of all the games were the Leafs had a collapse in the last couple of minutes. I realized the Leafs could do this…..aaaaaaaaaaaaaand St. Louis scored thanks to Statsny. 5-1. The game ended there. If we’re being honest the game ended at 3-1, the fun of the season ended at 5-1.

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